WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Thank you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.719 So we're going to read Genesis chapter 20 together. 00:00:34.840 --> 00:00:40.340 Again, I encourage you, if you've missed any of the talks, you can follow back online. 00:00:40.799 --> 00:00:43.399 They're recorded and put up each week. 00:00:44.200 --> 00:00:47.719 Please avail of that. It's for you, for your good. 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:52.620 So Genesis chapter 20, starting at verse 1. 00:00:52.619 --> 00:01:04.379 Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. 00:01:05.039 --> 00:01:07.280 For a while he stayed in Gerar. 00:01:08.179 --> 00:01:11.019 And there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, 00:01:11.799 --> 00:01:13.299 She is my sister. 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:18.979 Then Abimelech, king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her. 00:01:18.980 --> 00:01:24.180 But God came to Abimelech in a dream one night and said to him, 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:27.980 You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken. 00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:29.960 She is a married woman. 00:01:31.579 --> 00:01:34.079 Now Abimelech had not gone near her. 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:34.920 So he said, 00:01:35.740 --> 00:01:39.080 Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 00:01:40.080 --> 00:01:41.540 Did he not say to me, 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:43.580 She is my sister. 00:01:44.180 --> 00:01:46.060 And didn't she also say, 00:01:46.580 --> 00:01:47.460 He is my brother? 00:01:47.459 --> 00:01:51.780 Father, I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands. 00:01:53.119 --> 00:01:55.099 Then God said to him in the dream, 00:01:56.039 --> 00:01:58.579 Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:01.639 And so I have kept you from sinning against me. 00:02:02.359 --> 00:02:04.780 That is why I did not let you touch her. 00:02:05.939 --> 00:02:08.680 Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet. 00:02:09.219 --> 00:02:10.859 And he will pray for you. 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:12.819 And you will live. 00:02:12.819 --> 00:02:15.959 But if you do not return her, 00:02:16.780 --> 00:02:20.900 You may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die. 00:02:20.900 --> 00:02:26.219 Early the next morning, Abimelech summoned all his officials. 00:02:27.080 --> 00:02:28.800 And when he told them all that had happened, 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:30.259 They were very much afraid. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:34.120 Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said, 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:36.200 What have you done to us? 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:41.520 How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? 00:02:41.520 --> 00:02:45.580 You have done things to me that should never be done. 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:48.980 And Abimelech asked Abraham, 00:02:49.620 --> 00:02:52.400 What was your reason for doing this? 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:54.939 Abraham replied, 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:57.180 I said to myself, 00:02:57.480 --> 00:03:00.560 There is surely no fear of God in this place, 00:03:00.620 --> 00:03:02.520 And they will kill me because of my wife. 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:05.480 Besides, she really is my sister, 00:03:05.600 --> 00:03:06.800 The daughter of my father, 00:03:06.920 --> 00:03:08.300 Though not of my mother, 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:09.900 And she became my wife. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:14.480 And when God calls me to wander from my father's household, 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:15.300 I said to her, 00:03:16.020 --> 00:03:18.219 This is how you can show your love to me. 00:03:19.060 --> 00:03:20.280 Everywhere we go, 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:21.300 Say of me, 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:23.020 He is my brother. 00:03:25.040 --> 00:03:27.120 Then Abimelech bought sheep, 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:27.759 Cattle, 00:03:27.980 --> 00:03:29.460 And male and female slaves, 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:30.840 And gave them to Abraham. 00:03:31.360 --> 00:03:34.140 And he returned Sarah, his wife, to him. 00:03:35.379 --> 00:03:36.659 And Abimelech said, 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:38.960 My land is before you. 00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:42.040 Live wherever you like. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:44.800 To Sarah he said, 00:03:45.240 --> 00:03:48.640 I am giving your brother a thousand shekels of silver. 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:52.159 This is to cover the offence against you 00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:54.680 Before all who are with you. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:57.159 You are completely vindicated. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:00.460 Then Abraham prayed to God, 00:04:01.280 --> 00:04:02.979 And God healed Abimelech, 00:04:03.500 --> 00:04:05.560 His wife and his female slaves, 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:07.379 So that they could have children again. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:11.500 For the Lord had kept all the women in Abimelech's household 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:12.439 From conceiving, 00:04:13.079 --> 00:04:15.419 Because of Abraham's wife, Sarah. 00:04:15.419 --> 00:04:18.759 Let's pray. 00:04:18.759 --> 00:04:18.800 Let's pray. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:34.180 Father, would you please speak to us in such a way 00:04:34.180 --> 00:04:39.519 That we can engage with your word with our minds, 00:04:40.340 --> 00:04:41.879 That we understand it. 00:04:43.959 --> 00:04:46.600 But would you deal with us, 00:04:47.300 --> 00:04:50.439 That we would engage with it in such a way 00:04:50.439 --> 00:04:52.519 That it changes our life, 00:04:52.519 --> 00:04:58.000 That we do business with you today, Father. 00:05:00.339 --> 00:05:02.680 That we would leave this building 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:06.879 Changed and blessed 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:10.259 Because of what you have done in us. 00:05:12.459 --> 00:05:13.959 We ask this from you 00:05:13.959 --> 00:05:15.480 Because without your work 00:05:15.480 --> 00:05:20.159 We are helpless to change anything in us. 00:05:21.459 --> 00:05:22.980 We need your help. 00:05:23.980 --> 00:05:25.719 Be gracious to us. 00:05:27.219 --> 00:05:29.120 And it's in your name we pray. 00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:30.439 Amen. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:37.959 Groundhog Day, 00:05:38.040 --> 00:05:40.480 I'm sure some of you are familiar with the phrase, 00:05:40.659 --> 00:05:42.000 But it's something 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:45.000 That has happened before 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.180 And that happens again. 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:50.079 It's a recurring of the same event. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:52.839 This was portrayed in the film 00:05:52.839 --> 00:05:54.699 With the same title, 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:55.860 Groundhog Day. 00:05:56.300 --> 00:05:58.959 The lead character was a man called Phil, 00:05:59.639 --> 00:06:02.040 A weatherman who confidently announced 00:06:02.040 --> 00:06:04.839 That the threatening snow blizzard 00:06:04.839 --> 00:06:06.839 Was going to bypass their city. 00:06:07.399 --> 00:06:09.879 Except for his predictions were all wrong. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:11.339 The blizzard struck 00:06:11.339 --> 00:06:13.180 And the city came to a standstill. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:15.759 And the whole film is all about Phil 00:06:15.759 --> 00:06:17.980 Who wakes up each morning 00:06:17.980 --> 00:06:22.680 And relives the same awful nightmare experience. 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:24.600 It's like he's been caught up 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:26.459 In this recurring loop. 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:29.199 Well it seems Abraham 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:32.040 Is having his own Groundhog Day. 00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:34.639 Have a look with me at verse 1. 00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:38.779 Now Abraham moved on from there. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:41.180 He was in the region of Sodom. 00:06:41.919 --> 00:06:43.879 And he moves down to the Negev 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:46.339 And lived between Kadesh and Shur. 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:49.199 So a new area for him to stay. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:52.439 For a while he stayed in Gerar. 00:06:53.099 --> 00:06:55.839 And there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:58.139 She is my sister. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:03.560 Now why would Abraham be saying something like that? 00:07:03.639 --> 00:07:05.519 Well Abraham was afraid 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:09.120 That if they discovered Sarah was his wife 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:12.060 They might kill him. 00:07:13.099 --> 00:07:14.620 So verse 2 00:07:14.620 --> 00:07:16.060 He comes up with a plan. 00:07:16.599 --> 00:07:18.180 Tell them she is my sister. 00:07:18.180 --> 00:07:20.939 And Abimelech king of Gerar 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:22.500 Sent for Sarah 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:24.100 And took her. 00:07:25.540 --> 00:07:27.780 Now you might be looking at that and go 00:07:27.780 --> 00:07:30.220 That sounds very familiar. 00:07:31.300 --> 00:07:32.400 And you'd be right. 00:07:32.900 --> 00:07:35.259 Have a look with me back to chapter 12 00:07:35.259 --> 00:07:36.639 For a freshener. 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:39.040 Back to chapter 12. 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:46.760 Abraham has just received God's promises 00:07:46.760 --> 00:07:48.700 That he will be a great nation. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:51.140 That he's going to have a family. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.900 And that all the nations of the world 00:07:53.900 --> 00:07:55.580 Will be blessed through him. 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:57.680 But look what happens. 00:07:57.800 --> 00:07:58.420 Verse 11 00:07:58.420 --> 00:08:03.080 As Abraham was about to enter Egypt 00:08:03.080 --> 00:08:05.500 He said to his wife Sarah 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:08.660 I know what a beautiful woman you are. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:11.180 When the Egyptians see you 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:11.860 They will say 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:13.319 This is his wife. 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:15.019 Then they will kill me 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.500 But will let you live. 00:08:17.500 --> 00:08:18.220 I know. 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:20.319 Say you're my sister 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:21.800 So that I will be treated well 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:22.699 For your sake 00:08:22.699 --> 00:08:24.439 And my life will be spared 00:08:24.439 --> 00:08:25.420 Because of you. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:28.800 Familiar? 00:08:29.800 --> 00:08:31.899 Let's go back to chapter 20. 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:35.019 Abraham has already been there 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:36.500 Done that 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:38.159 And got the t-shirt. 00:08:39.059 --> 00:08:41.919 It was a classic case of unbelief. 00:08:42.840 --> 00:08:45.019 God had repeated his promise to him 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:47.079 Over and over and over again 00:08:47.079 --> 00:08:48.419 Specifically telling him 00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:50.159 That he would have a son 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:52.139 Through Sarah. 00:08:53.139 --> 00:08:54.899 But it seems like he's forgotten 00:08:54.899 --> 00:08:56.299 All of those promises 00:08:56.299 --> 00:08:58.439 And once more chapter 20 00:08:58.439 --> 00:09:01.559 He steps out in unbelief. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:04.279 It's Groundhog Day. 00:09:05.019 --> 00:09:08.220 But let's not slam Abraham. 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:11.519 We have our own Groundhog Days 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:12.480 All the time. 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:16.340 We too live by unbelief. 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:20.000 The same recurring choices and decisions 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:22.120 Not to believe God's promises 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:24.980 Turn up again and again. 00:09:25.840 --> 00:09:27.860 Repeatedly we're reminded 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:29.539 That with God 00:09:29.539 --> 00:09:31.759 We lack no good thing. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:33.080 That he's given us 00:09:33.080 --> 00:09:35.720 Every spiritual blessing in Christ. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:36.879 That he's given us 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:38.159 Everything we need 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:39.319 For a godly life. 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:41.879 God reassures us 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:42.980 Time and time again 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:46.039 My grace is sufficient for you. 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:49.439 But despite being promised 00:09:49.439 --> 00:09:51.240 All we need 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:54.100 We still don't believe the promises 00:09:54.100 --> 00:09:54.620 Do we? 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:56.879 We prefer to trust in other things 00:09:56.879 --> 00:09:58.100 And look to other people. 00:09:58.519 --> 00:10:00.820 Every day is like that recurring 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:02.580 Groundhog Day. 00:10:02.580 --> 00:10:08.300 But we don't have to live in a cycle of unbelief. 00:10:08.780 --> 00:10:11.100 We don't have to live in a pattern of 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:12.520 Continued sin. 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:14.520 It can change. 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:17.180 There is another way. 00:10:18.180 --> 00:10:19.460 But before we get there 00:10:19.460 --> 00:10:21.900 Let's look at how unbelief 00:10:21.899 --> 00:10:23.659 Is so serious 00:10:23.659 --> 00:10:25.980 And so devastating. 00:10:27.579 --> 00:10:28.959 First we want to see 00:10:28.959 --> 00:10:30.559 The serious effects 00:10:30.559 --> 00:10:33.500 Of living by unbelief. 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.740 The serious effects 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:36.199 Of living by unbelief. 00:10:36.959 --> 00:10:38.059 Unbelief is never 00:10:38.059 --> 00:10:39.579 An individual thing. 00:10:40.459 --> 00:10:41.620 It's never just about 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:43.500 My choice and my decision 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:45.639 That affects only me. 00:10:46.679 --> 00:10:48.120 Like when you throw a stone 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:48.980 Into a pool 00:10:48.980 --> 00:10:51.759 So our acts of unbelief 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:53.539 Have this ripple effects 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:55.539 That fly out to other people. 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:59.300 First it affects others. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.019 Look at verse 2. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:04.759 After all that Abraham had said 00:11:04.759 --> 00:11:06.039 Look at the end of verse 2. 00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:08.379 Abimelech, king of Gerar 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:09.920 Sent for Sarah 00:11:09.920 --> 00:11:11.139 And took her. 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:13.300 He takes a woman 00:11:13.300 --> 00:11:14.259 Who was married 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.560 To someone else. 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:17.620 Now it might well have been 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:18.840 Unintentional 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:19.720 Verse 5. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:22.440 Did he not say to me 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:23.560 She is my sister 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:25.539 And didn't she also say 00:11:25.539 --> 00:11:26.480 He is my brother? 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:27.679 I've done this 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:28.840 With a clear conscience 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:29.919 And clear hands. 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:32.500 Well yes it was 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:33.620 Unintentional 00:11:33.620 --> 00:11:35.159 But it was still wrong. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.259 The point is 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:38.879 Abraham's life 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:39.919 Of unbelief 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:42.700 Has led to the sinful choice 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:44.440 Of Abimelech. 00:11:45.220 --> 00:11:46.259 You see none of us 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:47.200 Can ever claim 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.779 That my sin 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:50.679 Is only personal 00:11:50.679 --> 00:11:52.000 And it affects 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:52.899 Only me. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:54.720 This is my life 00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:56.059 And these are my decisions 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.600 And they have no bearing 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:58.659 On anybody else. 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:00.379 No that's not right. 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:02.120 How we live 00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:04.019 And how we behave 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:06.120 Has a serious effect 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:06.620 On others. 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:07.480 It has this 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:08.980 Ripple effect. 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:12.379 In fact it's 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:13.300 More dangerous 00:12:13.300 --> 00:12:14.060 Than that. 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:16.300 Because we discover 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.639 It's also against 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:18.399 God. 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:20.139 Look at verse 6. 00:12:21.639 --> 00:12:22.659 Then God said 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:23.420 To Abimelech 00:12:23.420 --> 00:12:24.100 In the dream 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:25.460 Yes I know 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:26.060 You did this 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:27.100 With a clear conscience 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:29.100 And so I've kept you 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:29.800 From sinning 00:12:29.800 --> 00:12:31.259 Against me. 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:33.000 That is why 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:33.960 I did not let you 00:12:33.960 --> 00:12:34.519 Touch her. 00:12:34.519 --> 00:12:37.059 You see Abimelech's 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:38.139 Decision to take 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.980 A wife 00:12:38.980 --> 00:12:40.100 That wasn't his 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.860 Was not just 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:43.199 Against Abraham 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:44.720 And against Sarah. 00:12:45.840 --> 00:12:47.600 It would ultimately be 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:48.419 As we see there 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.199 In verse 6 00:12:49.199 --> 00:12:50.659 God says 00:12:50.659 --> 00:12:51.179 It would be 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:52.819 Against me. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:55.360 Yes there is a 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.919 Merciful intervention 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:58.879 God kept him 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:00.539 From taking Sarah 00:13:00.539 --> 00:13:01.319 To himself 00:13:01.320 --> 00:13:03.340 But to take Sarah 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.560 As a wife 00:13:04.560 --> 00:13:05.480 Would be 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:06.560 To sin against 00:13:06.560 --> 00:13:07.580 God. 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:09.540 You see Abraham 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:10.240 And Sarah 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.600 Belong to God 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:12.740 As does every 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:13.520 Human being. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:14.700 He made us 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:15.620 He owns us 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:16.820 So to harm 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:17.760 Another person 00:13:17.760 --> 00:13:19.000 To go against 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:19.879 Another person 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:21.200 Is in reality 00:13:21.200 --> 00:13:22.280 To go against 00:13:22.280 --> 00:13:23.200 God. 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:24.020 He takes it 00:13:24.020 --> 00:13:24.800 Personally. 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:27.520 So can you see 00:13:27.520 --> 00:13:29.300 The serious effects 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:30.760 Of living by 00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:31.819 Unbelief. 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:34.200 Abraham's decision 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:35.799 Not to trust 00:13:35.799 --> 00:13:36.740 God and tell 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:37.539 Lies about 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:38.159 His wife 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:39.200 Ends up 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:40.179 With Abimelech 00:13:40.179 --> 00:13:41.340 Not only taking 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:41.939 A wife that 00:13:41.939 --> 00:13:42.559 Doesn't belong 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:43.000 To him 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:43.939 But now he 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:44.899 Finds himself 00:13:44.899 --> 00:13:46.659 Under God's 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.519 Judgment. 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:51.600 But more than 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:52.080 That 00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:55.179 It all leads 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:56.759 To death. 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:57.819 Verse 3 00:13:57.820 --> 00:14:01.100 God came to 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:01.660 Abimelech 00:14:01.660 --> 00:14:02.240 In a dream 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:02.800 One night 00:14:02.800 --> 00:14:03.420 And said to 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:03.700 Him 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:05.300 You are as 00:14:05.300 --> 00:14:05.780 Good as 00:14:05.780 --> 00:14:06.400 Dead 00:14:06.400 --> 00:14:07.379 Because of 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:07.720 The woman 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.400 You've taken 00:14:08.400 --> 00:14:08.960 She's a 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:09.680 Married woman. 00:14:11.060 --> 00:14:11.379 You see 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:12.200 That's what 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.960 Happens when 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.100 We go against 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:15.360 What God 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:15.900 Says. 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:17.600 We come under 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:18.520 God's judgment 00:14:18.520 --> 00:14:19.360 And we die. 00:14:19.780 --> 00:14:20.140 You see 00:14:20.140 --> 00:14:21.240 Sin has this 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.580 Ripple effect. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:23.980 It's never 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:24.720 Just about 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.340 Me and 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:26.080 My life 00:14:26.080 --> 00:14:26.720 And the 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:27.160 Things that 00:14:27.160 --> 00:14:27.520 I do 00:14:27.520 --> 00:14:27.860 And say 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:28.800 It's all 00:14:28.800 --> 00:14:29.120 Up to 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.340 Me. 00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:29.960 It doesn't 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.280 Affect 00:14:30.280 --> 00:14:30.680 Anybody 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:31.100 Else. 00:14:31.800 --> 00:14:32.680 It does 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:33.320 Affect 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:33.780 Everybody 00:14:33.780 --> 00:14:34.400 Else. 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:36.900 And Abimelech's 00:14:36.900 --> 00:14:37.680 Sin is even 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.220 Having a 00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:39.180 Wider effect 00:14:39.180 --> 00:14:39.900 In his 00:14:39.900 --> 00:14:40.639 Own family. 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:41.620 Did you see 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.139 That at the 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:42.440 End of 00:14:42.440 --> 00:14:43.020 Verse 7? 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:46.060 But if you 00:14:46.060 --> 00:14:46.520 Do not 00:14:46.520 --> 00:14:47.340 Return her 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:48.540 You may 00:14:48.540 --> 00:14:49.020 Be sure 00:14:49.020 --> 00:14:49.620 That you 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.640 And all 00:14:50.640 --> 00:14:51.379 Who belong 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:51.899 To you 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:53.259 Will die. 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:55.580 So can you 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.120 Follow the 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.720 Thread of 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.039 What's 00:14:57.039 --> 00:14:57.759 Happening here? 00:14:58.200 --> 00:14:59.279 Each person 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:00.220 May be 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:00.519 Held 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.279 Responsible 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:01.759 For their 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.480 Actions 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:03.740 But it 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:04.700 All started 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:05.220 With the 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:06.080 Unbelief 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.939 Of Abraham. 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:08.519 He chose 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.100 Not to 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:09.659 Believe the 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:10.419 Promises of 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:10.740 God. 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:11.419 And it 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:11.820 Had a 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.379 Serious 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:12.960 Knock on 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:13.279 Effect. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:14.139 Instead of 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:14.519 Being the 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:14.860 One who 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.179 Brings 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:15.779 Blessing 00:15:15.779 --> 00:15:16.100 To the 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:16.559 Nations 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:18.500 Because of 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:18.679 His 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.460 Behaviour 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:20.320 He's now 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:20.960 Bringing a 00:15:20.960 --> 00:15:21.400 Curse 00:15:21.400 --> 00:15:21.900 To the 00:15:21.900 --> 00:15:22.320 Nations. 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:26.740 Maybe you 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:26.980 Haven't 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.560 Thought about 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.320 This before 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:30.060 But it 00:15:30.060 --> 00:15:30.400 Is a 00:15:30.400 --> 00:15:30.940 Theme that 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:31.639 Runs all 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:31.960 The way 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:32.220 Through 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:32.820 Scripture. 00:15:33.780 --> 00:15:34.740 Go forward 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.160 With me 00:15:35.160 --> 00:15:35.740 Please to 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:36.240 Exodus. 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:36.780 It's the 00:15:36.780 --> 00:15:37.280 Next book 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:37.540 In the 00:15:37.540 --> 00:15:37.840 Bible 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.220 After 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:38.759 Genesis. 00:15:39.660 --> 00:15:40.120 Exodus 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:40.639 Chapter 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.480 34. 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:51.159 Exodus 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:51.980 34. 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.139 And here 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:54.720 In this 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:55.399 Chapter 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:58.700 God 00:15:58.700 --> 00:16:00.279 Reveals 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:00.700 Himself 00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.200 To 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:01.580 Moses. 00:16:01.580 --> 00:16:02.840 He shows 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:03.779 Moses 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:04.340 What his 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:04.920 Character 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.680 Is like. 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.279 We'll pick it 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:07.580 Up in 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.320 Verse 6. 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:10.100 Exodus 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:10.920 34. 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:11.700 Verse 6. 00:16:13.320 --> 00:16:13.940 And he 00:16:13.940 --> 00:16:14.780 That's God 00:16:14.780 --> 00:16:15.460 Passed in 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:15.940 Front of 00:16:15.940 --> 00:16:16.340 Moses 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:17.220 Proclaiming 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:18.040 The 00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:18.400 Lord 00:16:18.400 --> 00:16:18.740 The 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.160 Lord 00:16:19.160 --> 00:16:20.160 The 00:16:20.160 --> 00:16:20.879 Compassionate 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.060 And 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:21.540 Gracious 00:16:21.540 --> 00:16:22.020 God 00:16:22.020 --> 00:16:23.560 Slow to 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:24.100 Anger 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:25.400 Abounding 00:16:25.400 --> 00:16:25.660 In 00:16:25.660 --> 00:16:25.879 Love 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:26.060 And 00:16:26.060 --> 00:16:26.720 Faithfulness 00:16:26.720 --> 00:16:28.220 Maintaining 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:28.580 Love 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:28.800 To 00:16:28.800 --> 00:16:29.240 Thousands 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:29.600 And 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:30.000 Forgiving 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:30.700 Wickedness 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:31.379 Rebellion 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:31.920 And 00:16:31.920 --> 00:16:32.340 Sin. 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:35.460 Now look 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:35.840 What else 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:36.420 It says. 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:37.680 And 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:38.320 Parents 00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:39.600 Listen 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.259 Carefully. 00:16:41.700 --> 00:16:41.980 Yet 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:42.379 He does 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:42.620 Not 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:42.940 Leave 00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.160 The 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:43.620 Guilty 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.759 Unpunished. 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:45.960 He 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:46.440 Punishes 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:46.740 The 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.240 Children 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:48.080 And 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:48.379 Their 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:48.860 Children 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.680 For 00:16:49.680 --> 00:16:49.879 The 00:16:49.879 --> 00:16:50.139 Sin 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:50.300 Of 00:16:50.300 --> 00:16:50.480 The 00:16:50.480 --> 00:16:51.160 Parents 00:16:51.160 --> 00:16:51.940 To 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:52.139 The 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:52.420 Third 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:52.660 And 00:16:52.660 --> 00:16:53.080 Fourth 00:16:53.080 --> 00:16:54.399 Generation. 00:16:56.060 --> 00:16:56.259 You 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:56.540 See 00:16:56.540 --> 00:16:57.580 My 00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:58.440 Behaviour 00:16:58.440 --> 00:16:59.580 As 00:16:59.580 --> 00:16:59.759 A 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.180 Father 00:17:00.180 --> 00:17:01.780 My 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.360 Sinful 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.100 Behaviour 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:03.779 Has 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:03.919 An 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:04.399 Effect 00:17:04.399 --> 00:17:05.160 As 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:05.359 They 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:05.639 Do 00:17:05.639 --> 00:17:05.879 What 00:17:05.879 --> 00:17:06.099 I 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:06.420 Do 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:07.339 And 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:07.599 So 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:07.779 It 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:08.000 Goes 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:08.379 On 00:17:08.379 --> 00:17:09.000 Down 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.200 The 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:09.539 Line 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.980 Living 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:11.500 By 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.519 Unbelief 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:13.240 Has 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:13.420 A 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:13.839 Terrible 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.299 Ripple 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:14.660 Effect 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:14.940 That 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:15.379 Reaches 00:17:15.379 --> 00:17:15.879 Far 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:16.299 Beyond 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:16.559 Our 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:16.779 Own 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.180 Life 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:19.980 And 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.099 If 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.240 We 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.460 Want 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:20.599 To 00:17:20.599 --> 00:17:20.779 Get 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:20.980 How 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:21.740 Serious 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.539 God 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:22.940 Takes 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.299 This 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.059 Go 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.319 With 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:24.519 Me 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:24.879 Please 00:17:24.879 --> 00:17:25.079 To 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:25.440 Matthew 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.019 Gospel 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:26.500 Chapter 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.099 18 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:30.000 Matthew 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.599 Gospel 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:31.059 Chapter 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:31.599 18 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:41.419 First 00:17:41.419 --> 00:17:41.699 Book 00:17:41.699 --> 00:17:41.859 In 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:41.980 The 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:42.159 New 00:17:42.159 --> 00:17:42.639 Testament 00:17:42.639 --> 00:17:43.859 Jesus 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:44.279 Here 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:44.579 Has 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:44.939 Been 00:17:44.939 --> 00:17:46.219 Teaching 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:46.759 Little 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.299 Children 00:17:47.299 --> 00:17:47.859 Small 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.439 Ones 00:17:48.439 --> 00:17:50.559 Explaining 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:50.819 That 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.039 The 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:51.359 Kingdom 00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:51.599 Of 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:51.859 God 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:52.379 Belongs 00:17:52.379 --> 00:17:52.599 To 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:52.859 Them 00:17:52.859 --> 00:17:53.339 Too 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:55.639 And 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:55.799 That 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:55.980 We 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:56.199 Can 00:17:56.199 --> 00:17:56.519 Learn 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:56.799 From 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.079 Little 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:57.599 Children 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:59.439 And 00:17:59.439 --> 00:17:59.579 Then 00:17:59.579 --> 00:17:59.699 He 00:17:59.699 --> 00:17:59.919 Goes 00:17:59.919 --> 00:18:00.159 On 00:18:00.159 --> 00:18:00.319 To 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:00.579 Say 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.059 This 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.339 Chapter 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:02.859 18 00:18:02.859 --> 00:18:03.220 Verse 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:03.720 6 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:13.639 If 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.019 Anyone 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:14.599 Causes 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:14.960 One 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:15.099 Of 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:15.339 These 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:15.659 Little 00:18:15.659 --> 00:18:16.240 Ones 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.740 That 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:17.960 Is 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.480 Those 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:18.759 Who 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.099 Believe 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:19.319 In 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:19.639 Me 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.819 To 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.460 Stumble 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:51.460 00:18:51.460 --> 00:18:51.720 I 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:51.920 That 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:52.160 Their 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:55.720 Let 00:18:55.720 --> 00:18:56.299 They 00:18:56.299 --> 00:18:57.900 Can't 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:58.960 Come 00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.279 Like 00:18:59.279 --> 00:18:59.440 That 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:03.980 illegitieness 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.519 In hot 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:07.480 has a serious effect on others. 00:19:08.359 --> 00:19:11.339 It can lead them to turn away from God 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:15.480 and it can lead to our own judgment. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:19.099 Let's go back to Genesis 20. 00:19:24.819 --> 00:19:27.700 So first, the serious effects 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:31.619 of living by unbelief. 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:35.619 Second, there's the devastating impact 00:19:36.239 --> 00:19:38.500 of living by unbelief. 00:19:39.439 --> 00:19:41.639 You see, it not only affects others, 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:44.039 it also, of course, has a deep 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:46.239 and profound impact on us personally. 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:49.939 So having been confronted by God, 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:52.819 God now uses Abimelech 00:19:52.819 --> 00:19:55.000 to go and confront Abraham. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:57.199 Look at verse 10. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:20:01.779 And Abimelech asked Abraham, 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:04.299 what was your reason for doing this? 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:06.840 Why did you tell me so many lies? 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:09.160 Why did you act like this? 00:20:11.360 --> 00:20:12.920 Well, Abraham responds, 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:15.319 and I'm not sure if it's a confession 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:18.180 or if he's just simply restating the facts. 00:20:19.080 --> 00:20:20.940 Either way, Abraham reveals 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:22.880 the devastating impact 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:25.360 of living by unbelief. 00:20:26.120 --> 00:20:27.120 It starts 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:30.220 with not trusting God. 00:20:30.340 --> 00:20:31.000 Verse 11. 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.080 Abraham replied, 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:35.620 I said to myself, 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:38.860 here's the reason for why I did what I did. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:42.200 There is surely no fear of God in this place 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:44.400 and they will kill me because of my wife. 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:46.800 Abraham assumed 00:20:46.800 --> 00:20:49.320 that in this new area he was living, 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:51.420 his life would be in immediate danger. 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.640 And in some ways, 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:54.100 the threat was credible. 00:20:54.540 --> 00:20:57.480 That's what powerful kings like Abimelech could do. 00:20:58.920 --> 00:20:59.640 But remember, 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:01.240 Abraham had a promise 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:03.480 for situations like this. 00:21:04.300 --> 00:21:06.040 Go back to chapter 18 00:21:06.040 --> 00:21:08.880 and verse 13. 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.860 Let's remind ourselves 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:13.460 of what God had promised Abraham. 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:17.340 Chapter 18, verse 13. 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:20.600 Then the Lord said to Abraham, 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:22.740 Why did Sarah laugh and say, 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:25.180 Will I really have a child now that I'm old? 00:21:25.560 --> 00:21:27.860 Is anything too hard for the Lord? 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:30.220 I will return to you 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:31.900 at the appointed time next year 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:35.280 and Sarah will have a son. 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.780 You see, Abraham, 00:21:38.320 --> 00:21:40.060 do you remember what I told you? 00:21:40.360 --> 00:21:42.240 Nothing is too hard for the Lord. 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:45.519 That means threats from powerful kings 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:46.880 are not a problem. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:49.579 I don't need you, Abraham, 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:51.220 to come up with your schemes 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.339 to save the day. 00:21:53.359 --> 00:21:54.660 Abraham, I just want you 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.940 to walk by faith 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:58.519 and obey my promise. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.880 But he doesn't. 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:03.220 In fact, it turns out 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:04.720 that Abimelech seems to have 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:06.039 more fear of God 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:08.960 than Abraham has faith in God. 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:11.680 He simply doesn't trust 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:12.700 what God said 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:14.460 and Abraham takes matters 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:15.539 into his own hands. 00:22:15.860 --> 00:22:18.680 He puts his trust in self. 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.079 Now, how many times 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:24.079 do we believe our own thoughts 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:26.100 over God's word? 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:30.159 unbelief is subtle 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:32.000 and can show up 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:34.219 in all kinds of ways. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:39.559 It starts with not trusting God 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:41.699 and it moves very quickly 00:22:41.699 --> 00:22:43.039 to blaming God. 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:45.059 You see, when unbelief 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:46.399 gets us into a pickle, 00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:48.919 well, it's not my fault, 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.779 that's for sure. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.279 Look how Abraham continues, 00:22:52.419 --> 00:22:53.199 verse 13. 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:56.640 And when God caused me 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:58.680 to wander from my father's household, 00:22:59.580 --> 00:23:02.100 if God had never told me 00:23:02.100 --> 00:23:03.600 to leave my family home 00:23:03.600 --> 00:23:05.240 and to move to this new land, 00:23:05.620 --> 00:23:07.819 if God had just left me 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.580 where I was, 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:09.440 I was comfortable, 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.660 everything was alright, 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:12.039 if God, 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.319 then none of this 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.980 would have happened. 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:19.420 You see, living by unbelief 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.940 is never our fault, is it? 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:23.100 It's God who got me 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:23.820 into the mess 00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:25.380 and now I have to try 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.519 and find a way out of it, 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:28.740 even if it means disobedience. 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.840 You see, we're all 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:34.279 a little bit like Abraham. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:37.299 We're like his 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:39.640 earlier 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:41.799 great, great, 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.720 I'm going to get confused now, 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:45.140 but he's like Adam as well, 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.820 in the Garden of Eden 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:48.460 when God confronted him 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:50.140 with his unbelief. 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.040 Do you remember 00:23:51.040 --> 00:23:52.060 what Adam said? 00:23:52.860 --> 00:23:54.180 This is what he said to God, 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.200 the woman 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:57.560 you put here with me, 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.520 she gave me 00:23:59.520 --> 00:24:00.220 some of the fruit 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.800 from the tree 00:24:00.800 --> 00:24:01.460 and I ate it. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.160 God, if you 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:05.160 didn't put this woman here, 00:24:05.520 --> 00:24:06.740 then I wouldn't be 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.680 in this mess. 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.620 It's not my fault. 00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:14.500 How often do we think 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:16.239 if God didn't let this happen, 00:24:16.939 --> 00:24:19.000 if he changed this circumstance, 00:24:19.219 --> 00:24:20.359 if he changed this event, 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:21.799 then it would be fine. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:25.239 You see, living by unbelief 00:24:25.239 --> 00:24:28.079 just leads to blaming God. 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:31.959 In fact, it goes a step further 00:24:31.959 --> 00:24:33.079 and a step deeper. 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:36.740 It leads to living as God. 00:24:37.899 --> 00:24:39.500 Look at verse 13 again. 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:41.759 And when God 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:43.059 caused me to wander 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.299 from my father's household, 00:24:44.419 --> 00:24:45.039 I said to her, 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.720 this is how you can 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.819 show your love to me. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.740 Everywhere we go, 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:50.480 say of me, 00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:51.919 he is my brother. 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:54.460 This was the text 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:56.259 that Abraham had 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:57.339 at his front door 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.139 of his house. 00:24:58.140 --> 00:25:00.759 It kind of ruled 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.620 their lives. 00:25:01.780 --> 00:25:02.820 Everywhere they went, 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:04.040 everywhere they travelled, 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.380 this is how you can 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:06.320 show your love to me. 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:07.060 Remember, 00:25:07.340 --> 00:25:08.180 everywhere you go, 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:08.700 say of me, 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.580 he is my brother. 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:15.160 He came up 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:16.240 with his own rules. 00:25:17.020 --> 00:25:18.200 Ones that ensured 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:19.600 he was kept safe. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:20.940 Of course, 00:25:21.020 --> 00:25:22.080 he presented it all 00:25:22.080 --> 00:25:23.720 as a wonderful act of love, 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:24.500 wasn't it? 00:25:24.840 --> 00:25:25.960 This is how you can 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.860 show your love to me. 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:27.780 Oh, Sarah, 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.619 if you really loved me, 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:30.399 you would see that 00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:31.480 this is a good plan 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.339 for your life. 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:34.819 Never mind the harm 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.720 it does to Sarah 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.619 as long as Abraham 00:25:36.619 --> 00:25:37.299 is okay. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.160 You see, 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:39.779 he is acting 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.799 as if he is God, 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:42.180 that he knows best 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.359 and that he knows better. 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.599 And that is what 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:46.339 living by unbelief 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.000 is all about. 00:25:47.139 --> 00:25:47.660 It is saying, 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:49.000 I am God, 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:51.039 this is my life, 00:25:51.399 --> 00:25:52.299 and I will do 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.240 what I want 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.220 for me. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.240 Can you see 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.759 the devastating impact 00:25:58.759 --> 00:26:00.259 of living by unbelief? 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.839 My thoughts 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.620 replace 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:05.220 God's word. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.839 My circumstances 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:09.720 are God's fault. 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:11.880 My life, 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.420 my way. 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:16.059 Doesn't it all 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:17.519 sound so familiar? 00:26:19.099 --> 00:26:20.519 Doesn't it sound like 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:20.819 our 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:22.660 groundhog days? 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.660 God's fault. 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:24.259 It's not 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.660 good. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:27.100 But here is the point 00:26:27.100 --> 00:26:28.160 of the whole text. 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:29.779 We don't have 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:31.060 to live like this. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:32.800 The cycle 00:26:32.800 --> 00:26:33.980 has been broken. 00:26:34.540 --> 00:26:35.340 We can live 00:26:35.340 --> 00:26:36.660 lives of faith 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:38.640 and trust 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.660 in God. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.860 So third, 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.560 look at the 00:26:42.560 --> 00:26:43.660 gracious response 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:46.980 to living 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.660 by unbelief. 00:26:48.380 --> 00:26:49.019 The gracious 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.900 response. 00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:52.019 chapter 20 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.660 is certainly 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.360 a tragic 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.920 account. 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:54.840 Abraham, 00:26:55.060 --> 00:26:55.880 the man of faith, 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:56.780 is really Abraham, 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.500 the man of 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.400 unbelief. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:26:59.800 His actions 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:00.620 have messed up 00:27:00.620 --> 00:27:01.840 the life of Abimelech 00:27:01.840 --> 00:27:02.840 and all his family 00:27:02.840 --> 00:27:04.480 and it's messed up 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.180 his life 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.300 and put his own 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:07.980 wife in danger. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:09.940 And as readers 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.640 of the text, 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.360 as we read 00:27:11.360 --> 00:27:11.820 through it, 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:13.600 we expect to read 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:14.740 something like this. 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.980 And God spoke 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:16.620 to Abraham 00:27:16.620 --> 00:27:17.420 in a dream. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:18.740 That's it, 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.180 Abraham. 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:20.500 It's not going 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.100 to work. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.539 I've given you 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.560 every opportunity. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.600 I've given you 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.960 chance after chance. 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.200 I've reminded you 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.259 of all my promises. 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:29.420 It's not going 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:29.840 to work. 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.880 I'm going to have 00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:31.380 to look for 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:32.100 someone I can 00:27:32.100 --> 00:27:32.500 trust. 00:27:35.560 --> 00:27:36.519 But that's not 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.180 how it ends, 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:37.660 is it? 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.720 Because God 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.320 amazingly 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:41.600 responds in 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.900 grace 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:44.780 and kindness. 00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:46.519 He doesn't 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.259 get the stick 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:47.620 out. 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:48.900 He doesn't 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.920 start berating 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:50.759 Abraham all 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.200 around the 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:51.620 place. 00:27:52.780 --> 00:27:53.460 God 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:55.100 restores 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:55.600 Abraham 00:27:55.600 --> 00:27:56.560 in all 00:27:56.560 --> 00:27:56.960 of his 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:57.480 mess. 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.080 And he 00:27:59.080 --> 00:27:59.480 does it 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.019 in two 00:28:00.019 --> 00:28:00.600 ways. 00:28:02.540 --> 00:28:03.220 First, 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.200 Abraham 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:05.460 is blessed 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:07.160 by God. 00:28:08.340 --> 00:28:09.060 God 00:28:09.060 --> 00:28:09.600 has obviously 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:10.440 been at work 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.320 in Abimelech's 00:28:11.320 --> 00:28:11.620 life. 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.159 Let's read 00:28:12.159 --> 00:28:12.679 about that 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:13.099 in verse 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:13.559 7. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.039 God 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.619 spoke to 00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:19.119 Abimelech 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.559 and said, 00:28:19.699 --> 00:28:20.279 Now return 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:20.939 the man's 00:28:20.939 --> 00:28:21.319 wife, 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.479 for he is 00:28:22.479 --> 00:28:22.939 a prophet, 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:23.799 and he 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.259 will pray 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:24.639 for you 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:24.939 and you 00:28:24.939 --> 00:28:25.439 will live. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:26.939 But if 00:28:26.939 --> 00:28:27.299 you do 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:27.979 not return 00:28:27.979 --> 00:28:28.299 her, 00:28:29.139 --> 00:28:29.559 you may 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:30.099 be sure 00:28:30.099 --> 00:28:30.599 that you 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:30.979 and all 00:28:30.979 --> 00:28:31.539 who belong 00:28:31.539 --> 00:28:32.619 to you 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:33.759 will die. 00:28:34.659 --> 00:28:35.019 You see, 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.699 it's a call 00:28:35.699 --> 00:28:36.459 to Abimelech 00:28:36.459 --> 00:28:37.299 to repent, 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:38.679 to change 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:39.059 the way 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:39.619 you're going. 00:28:40.439 --> 00:28:40.899 So, 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:42.060 returning 00:28:42.060 --> 00:28:42.920 Abraham's 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:43.440 wife 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.620 is 00:28:44.620 --> 00:28:45.360 repenting 00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:45.759 of what 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.100 he had 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:46.360 done. 00:28:46.800 --> 00:28:47.100 The 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:47.580 evidence 00:28:47.580 --> 00:28:48.120 of his 00:28:48.120 --> 00:28:48.660 repentance 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.360 is now 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:50.019 seen in 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:50.440 how he 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:51.000 treats 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.920 Abraham, 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.000 verse 14. 00:28:54.040 --> 00:28:54.340 Then 00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:54.920 Abimelech 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.240 bought 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:55.780 sheep 00:28:55.780 --> 00:28:56.500 and cattle 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:57.540 and male 00:28:57.540 --> 00:28:58.240 and female 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.140 slaves or 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.900 workers and 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.340 gave them 00:29:00.340 --> 00:29:00.940 to Abraham 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.019 and he 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:02.519 returned 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:02.940 Sarah, 00:29:03.040 --> 00:29:03.500 his wife, 00:29:03.580 --> 00:29:03.880 to him. 00:29:04.280 --> 00:29:04.560 And on 00:29:04.560 --> 00:29:05.080 top of 00:29:05.080 --> 00:29:05.460 all of 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:05.840 that, 00:29:06.280 --> 00:29:06.780 Abimelech 00:29:06.780 --> 00:29:07.160 said, 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.259 my land 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:08.840 is before 00:29:08.840 --> 00:29:09.180 you, 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:10.060 live 00:29:10.060 --> 00:29:10.779 wherever 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.620 you like. 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:14.480 Now, 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:14.960 aren't you 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:15.779 amazed 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.900 at how 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:17.380 Abraham, 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.500 who caused 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.380 all the 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:19.920 mess, 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.700 who lied 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:22.240 and brought 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.100 such misery 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:24.180 to Abimelech, 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:25.019 who put 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:25.480 his own 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.100 wife in 00:29:26.100 --> 00:29:26.620 danger, 00:29:27.180 --> 00:29:27.940 ends up 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:28.660 being 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.880 blessed. 00:29:32.580 --> 00:29:33.380 We're reading 00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:33.740 and go, 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.160 no, 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:34.779 that's not 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.160 right, 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:35.820 you can't 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.460 do that 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:36.899 sort of 00:29:36.899 --> 00:29:37.079 thing, 00:29:37.139 --> 00:29:37.559 it's not 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.119 fair. 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:40.960 If anything, 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:41.399 it should 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:41.819 be the 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.220 other way 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.740 around. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.779 But that's 00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:46.859 the extraordinary 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.899 way in which 00:29:47.899 --> 00:29:48.759 God works. 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:51.039 God doesn't 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.939 treat us 00:29:51.939 --> 00:29:52.899 as our 00:29:52.899 --> 00:29:53.859 unbelief 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.399 deserves. 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:57.299 And God's 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:58.119 grace doesn't 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:58.740 even end 00:29:58.740 --> 00:29:59.159 there. 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:01.019 Because look 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:01.559 what happens 00:30:01.559 --> 00:30:01.960 next. 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:02.759 He not 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:03.899 only blesses 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:04.679 Abraham, 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:07.119 he now 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:07.639 starts 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:08.539 using 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:09.460 Abraham. 00:30:10.419 --> 00:30:11.299 He uses 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:11.939 a man 00:30:11.939 --> 00:30:12.859 of unbelief 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.359 to bring 00:30:13.359 --> 00:30:14.220 blessing to 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.899 Abimelech. 00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:16.559 Look at 00:30:16.559 --> 00:30:17.099 verse 7 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:17.500 again. 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.639 God said 00:30:19.639 --> 00:30:20.299 to Abimelech, 00:30:20.379 --> 00:30:20.919 return the 00:30:20.919 --> 00:30:21.539 man's wife, 00:30:21.619 --> 00:30:22.240 for he is a 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:22.539 prophet, 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:24.379 and he 00:30:24.379 --> 00:30:25.119 will pray 00:30:25.119 --> 00:30:26.039 for you, 00:30:26.859 --> 00:30:27.480 and you 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:28.079 will live. 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.899 Verse 17, 00:30:30.900 --> 00:30:33.080 then Abraham 00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:33.960 prayed to 00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:34.380 God, 00:30:35.120 --> 00:30:35.720 and God 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.380 healed 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:37.019 Abimelech, 00:30:37.080 --> 00:30:37.680 his wife, 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.000 and his 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.880 female slaves, 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.700 so that they 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:40.060 could have 00:30:40.060 --> 00:30:40.740 children again, 00:30:40.820 --> 00:30:41.259 for the Lord 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:41.920 had kept all 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:42.259 the women 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.019 in Abimelech's 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.660 household from 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.220 conceiving 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:45.240 because of 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:45.960 Abraham's 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.620 wife, 00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:47.300 Sarah. 00:30:49.640 --> 00:30:50.320 Isn't it 00:30:50.320 --> 00:30:51.060 extraordinary? 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.700 God uses 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.300 a sinner 00:30:54.300 --> 00:30:55.640 like Abraham 00:30:55.640 --> 00:30:57.280 to pray 00:30:57.280 --> 00:30:57.880 for a 00:30:57.880 --> 00:30:58.180 sinner 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:59.880 like Abimelech. 00:30:59.880 --> 00:31:02.280 unbelieving 00:31:02.280 --> 00:31:03.020 Abraham 00:31:03.020 --> 00:31:04.180 gets down 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:04.580 on his 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:05.020 knees 00:31:05.020 --> 00:31:05.800 and prays 00:31:05.800 --> 00:31:06.480 for God's 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:06.960 blessing, 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.260 and Abimelech 00:31:08.260 --> 00:31:09.360 gets blessed. 00:31:12.340 --> 00:31:13.320 Isn't it 00:31:13.320 --> 00:31:14.260 amazing? 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:17.160 And if 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:17.880 God can 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.700 use an 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.620 unbelieving 00:31:19.620 --> 00:31:20.640 sinner like 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:21.400 Abraham 00:31:21.400 --> 00:31:23.020 to bring 00:31:23.020 --> 00:31:23.940 blessing to 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:24.960 another person, 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.840 how much 00:31:26.840 --> 00:31:27.480 more will 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.300 God bring 00:31:28.300 --> 00:31:29.120 his blessing 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:30.219 through the 00:31:30.219 --> 00:31:30.959 faithful and 00:31:30.959 --> 00:31:31.519 obedient 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.159 Son, 00:31:32.699 --> 00:31:33.000 Jesus 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:33.619 Christ. 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:35.399 Not just 00:31:35.399 --> 00:31:35.839 to one 00:31:35.839 --> 00:31:36.339 person, 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.439 but bring 00:31:38.439 --> 00:31:38.939 blessing 00:31:38.939 --> 00:31:40.459 to all 00:31:40.459 --> 00:31:40.939 nations. 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:43.359 You see, 00:31:43.439 --> 00:31:43.799 it's not 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:44.399 that God 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:45.179 ignores 00:31:45.179 --> 00:31:45.779 the 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.519 unbelief. 00:31:47.819 --> 00:31:48.099 No, 00:31:48.179 --> 00:31:48.799 God knew 00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.279 there was 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.779 unbelief, 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:50.239 and God 00:31:50.239 --> 00:31:50.659 had to 00:31:50.659 --> 00:31:51.219 deal with 00:31:51.219 --> 00:31:51.379 it, 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.159 so God 00:31:52.159 --> 00:31:52.779 sent his 00:31:52.779 --> 00:31:53.199 Son, 00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:53.919 Jesus, 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:54.439 who was 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:55.219 treated on 00:31:55.219 --> 00:31:55.799 the cross 00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:56.500 as an 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.219 unbeliever 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:57.779 for you 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.140 and for 00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:58.420 me, 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:59.279 and God 00:31:59.279 --> 00:32:00.019 punished 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.960 our sin 00:32:00.960 --> 00:32:02.079 in Jesus 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:03.000 so that 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.519 we could 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:04.240 be forgiven. 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:07.039 We are 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:08.460 blessed. 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:12.160 We were 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:12.920 reminded of 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.559 that blessing, 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:14.039 weren't we, 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.519 at the beginning 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.180 of our time 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:15.819 this morning. 00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:16.920 Let me read 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:17.640 to you again 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.660 Psalm 32. 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.140 Blessed 00:32:21.140 --> 00:32:23.460 is the one 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.579 whose transgressions 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.200 are forgiven, 00:32:25.620 --> 00:32:26.319 whose sins 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.079 are covered. 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:28.399 Blessed 00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:29.779 is the one 00:32:29.779 --> 00:32:30.259 whose sin 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:30.720 the Lord 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.200 does not 00:32:31.200 --> 00:32:31.919 count against 00:32:31.919 --> 00:32:32.179 them, 00:32:32.399 --> 00:32:32.819 and in 00:32:32.819 --> 00:32:33.439 whose spirit 00:32:33.439 --> 00:32:33.919 is no 00:32:33.919 --> 00:32:34.379 deceit. 00:32:34.679 --> 00:32:35.220 You know 00:32:35.220 --> 00:32:35.779 right now 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.220 if you're 00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:36.859 trusting 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:37.819 in the 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:38.480 Lord Jesus, 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:40.159 not one 00:32:40.159 --> 00:32:40.519 of your 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.179 sins 00:32:41.179 --> 00:32:42.779 are remembered 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:43.579 by God. 00:32:44.539 --> 00:32:45.399 Not one. 00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:47.399 As far 00:32:47.399 --> 00:32:47.819 as the 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.319 east is 00:32:48.319 --> 00:32:48.679 from the 00:32:48.679 --> 00:32:48.960 west, 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:50.059 so far 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:50.359 as he 00:32:50.359 --> 00:32:50.839 removed 00:32:50.839 --> 00:32:52.359 every one 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:52.779 of them, 00:32:53.859 --> 00:32:54.700 no longer 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.119 to be 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:55.599 remembered. 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:58.619 you are 00:32:58.619 --> 00:32:59.419 blessed. 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.319 But more 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:01.720 than that, 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.439 it's blessing 00:33:02.439 --> 00:33:03.399 upon blessing. 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.839 Ephesians 1. 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:06.879 Blessed. 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:07.740 He has 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:08.539 blessed us 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:08.879 in the 00:33:08.879 --> 00:33:09.779 heavenly realms 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.839 with what? 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:12.059 Every 00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:12.819 spiritual 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:13.679 blessing in 00:33:13.679 --> 00:33:14.119 Christ. 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:15.599 Not just 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.299 some here 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:16.799 and there, 00:33:17.879 --> 00:33:18.639 but every 00:33:18.639 --> 00:33:19.240 spiritual 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:19.700 blessing. 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:21.079 We have 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:21.720 redemption 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:22.359 through his 00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:22.740 blood, 00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:23.679 the forgiveness 00:33:23.679 --> 00:33:24.399 of sins 00:33:24.400 --> 00:33:25.000 in accordance 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:25.500 with the 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:25.800 riches 00:33:25.800 --> 00:33:26.460 of God's 00:33:26.460 --> 00:33:26.759 grace 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:27.480 that he 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:27.680 has 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:28.880 lavished 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:30.640 upon us. 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:36.540 You see, 00:33:36.620 --> 00:33:37.040 if you've 00:33:37.040 --> 00:33:37.519 turned to 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.080 Jesus, 00:33:38.780 --> 00:33:40.180 all your 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:40.940 moments of 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:41.680 unbelief, 00:33:42.680 --> 00:33:43.600 all those 00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:45.380 groundhog days 00:33:45.380 --> 00:33:47.100 are no longer 00:33:47.100 --> 00:33:47.920 held against 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:48.220 you. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:49.759 you are 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.640 free from 00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:51.380 guilt and 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:51.799 shame. 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:52.500 You are 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:53.539 loved and 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.400 treasured 00:33:54.400 --> 00:33:54.980 forever. 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:57.480 You see, 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.700 we can look 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.440 at this text 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:00.180 together and 00:34:00.180 --> 00:34:00.440 think, 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:01.579 oh, but my 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:02.480 life and the 00:34:02.480 --> 00:34:03.400 knock-on effects 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.519 of the things 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:05.279 I have said 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:05.980 and the things 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:06.500 that I have 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:07.579 done and how 00:34:07.579 --> 00:34:08.240 it's affected 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.039 my children 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.000 and how it's 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:10.800 affected this 00:34:10.800 --> 00:34:11.599 person and that 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:11.940 person, 00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:13.119 how could any 00:34:13.119 --> 00:34:13.720 of that be 00:34:13.720 --> 00:34:14.119 forgiven? 00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:14.239 forgiven. 00:34:15.839 --> 00:34:16.880 But this is 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.719 the good news 00:34:17.719 --> 00:34:18.559 of the gospel. 00:34:19.319 --> 00:34:20.920 It is all 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.380 forgiven. 00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:23.179 It is no 00:34:23.179 --> 00:34:23.839 longer held 00:34:23.839 --> 00:34:24.579 against you. 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.739 It's no 00:34:25.739 --> 00:34:26.380 longer held 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:27.139 against me. 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:28.980 It's all 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:29.859 been forgiven. 00:34:31.139 --> 00:34:31.779 But not 00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:32.299 only that, 00:34:32.359 --> 00:34:33.139 he takes us 00:34:33.139 --> 00:34:34.039 as messed up, 00:34:34.179 --> 00:34:34.940 broken people 00:34:34.940 --> 00:34:36.319 and he blesses 00:34:36.319 --> 00:34:36.779 us and he 00:34:36.779 --> 00:34:37.039 says, 00:34:37.480 --> 00:34:38.279 now go 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:40.279 and be a 00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:40.819 blessing 00:34:40.819 --> 00:34:42.420 to other 00:34:42.420 --> 00:34:42.859 people. 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:44.880 and perhaps 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.519 the best 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.240 way we can 00:34:46.240 --> 00:34:46.940 start to 00:34:46.940 --> 00:34:47.800 bring blessing 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:48.820 is like 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.380 Abraham, 00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:50.340 to start 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:52.400 praying for 00:34:52.400 --> 00:34:53.140 our children 00:34:53.140 --> 00:34:55.140 and for our 00:34:55.140 --> 00:34:57.019 families and 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:57.480 for our 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:59.820 friends to 00:34:59.820 --> 00:35:00.579 get down on 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.340 our knees, 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:03.460 messed and 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:04.240 broken as we 00:35:04.240 --> 00:35:05.700 are, but 00:35:05.700 --> 00:35:06.480 yet God 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:08.079 using us to 00:35:08.079 --> 00:35:08.960 bring blessing 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.800 to other 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.240 people. 00:35:11.780 --> 00:35:12.280 You see, 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:12.920 God is 00:35:12.920 --> 00:35:14.660 determined to 00:35:14.660 --> 00:35:15.360 bring blessing 00:35:15.360 --> 00:35:15.780 to the 00:35:15.780 --> 00:35:17.280 nations and 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:17.980 God in his 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:18.620 grace will 00:35:18.620 --> 00:35:19.500 use people 00:35:19.500 --> 00:35:20.780 like us, 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.100 people who 00:35:22.100 --> 00:35:22.700 are weak 00:35:22.700 --> 00:35:23.620 and fragile 00:35:23.620 --> 00:35:24.800 in faith but 00:35:24.800 --> 00:35:25.900 are held up 00:35:25.900 --> 00:35:27.440 in the 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:28.340 faithful hands 00:35:28.340 --> 00:35:28.940 of God, 00:35:30.660 --> 00:35:31.540 never holding 00:35:31.540 --> 00:35:32.040 our sin 00:35:32.040 --> 00:35:33.019 against us, 00:35:34.180 --> 00:35:34.900 but filling 00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:35.580 us with his 00:35:35.580 --> 00:35:36.540 spirit and 00:35:36.540 --> 00:35:37.460 sending us 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:37.900 into the 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:38.400 world and 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:38.880 into our 00:35:38.880 --> 00:35:39.740 communities and 00:35:39.739 --> 00:35:40.239 into our 00:35:40.239 --> 00:35:41.259 families and 00:35:41.259 --> 00:35:41.579 saying, 00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:44.079 you can 00:35:44.079 --> 00:35:44.459 be a 00:35:44.459 --> 00:35:44.819 blessing. 00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:48.359 We don't 00:35:48.359 --> 00:35:48.859 have to 00:35:48.859 --> 00:35:49.399 live in a 00:35:49.399 --> 00:35:50.899 cycle of 00:35:50.899 --> 00:35:51.599 unbelief. 00:35:52.879 --> 00:35:53.899 We simply 00:35:53.899 --> 00:35:54.879 believe in 00:35:54.879 --> 00:35:55.859 God's promise 00:35:55.859 --> 00:35:57.199 that we are 00:35:57.199 --> 00:35:58.139 set free and 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:59.039 we are changed 00:35:59.039 --> 00:36:00.059 and we can 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:01.159 live the life 00:36:01.159 --> 00:36:02.479 that he has 00:36:02.479 --> 00:36:03.339 called us to, 00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:04.659 never to be 00:36:04.659 --> 00:36:05.199 held back 00:36:05.199 --> 00:36:05.619 again. 00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:11.299 Let's just 00:36:11.299 --> 00:36:12.099 take time to 00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:12.599 reflect. 00:36:12.599 --> 00:36:12.799 Let's 00:36:12.799 --> 00:36:13.839 just take time 00:36:13.839 --> 00:36:14.639 to reflect. 00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:34.839 Father God, 00:36:34.920 --> 00:36:35.440 we are 00:36:35.440 --> 00:36:36.739 amazed 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:39.000 at your 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:39.639 kindness 00:36:39.639 --> 00:36:41.259 in how you 00:36:41.259 --> 00:36:42.039 respond to 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:42.420 us. 00:36:42.420 --> 00:36:45.900 thank you 00:36:45.900 --> 00:36:46.320 for your 00:36:46.320 --> 00:36:47.340 grace afresh. 00:36:48.760 --> 00:36:49.639 Thank you 00:36:49.639 --> 00:36:50.320 that because 00:36:50.320 --> 00:36:50.800 of your 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:51.559 son Jesus 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:52.159 Christ, 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:53.880 we are 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:54.400 blessed. 00:36:56.480 --> 00:36:57.300 We are 00:36:57.300 --> 00:36:57.940 made new. 00:36:59.139 --> 00:36:59.700 We can 00:36:59.700 --> 00:37:00.300 live a new 00:37:00.300 --> 00:37:00.639 way. 00:37:02.280 --> 00:37:03.180 Help us 00:37:03.180 --> 00:37:03.880 this day 00:37:03.880 --> 00:37:05.619 to not 00:37:05.619 --> 00:37:06.220 only hear 00:37:06.220 --> 00:37:06.860 the promises 00:37:06.860 --> 00:37:07.639 you have, 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.200 but to 00:37:09.200 --> 00:37:09.920 believe them 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:11.400 and to 00:37:11.400 --> 00:37:11.940 live by 00:37:11.940 --> 00:37:12.260 them. 00:37:12.420 --> 00:37:14.079 in the 00:37:14.079 --> 00:37:14.420 knowledge 00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:15.880 that all 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:16.340 our sin 00:37:16.340 --> 00:37:16.940 is forgiven, 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:19.119 never held 00:37:19.119 --> 00:37:20.019 against us, 00:37:20.980 --> 00:37:21.960 and that 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:22.579 because we 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:23.000 are now 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:23.760 your children 00:37:23.760 --> 00:37:24.519 filled with 00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:25.320 your spirit, 00:37:26.039 --> 00:37:26.559 we can 00:37:26.559 --> 00:37:27.980 go and 00:37:27.980 --> 00:37:28.320 be a 00:37:28.320 --> 00:37:28.960 blessing to 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.380 others. 00:37:29.800 --> 00:37:30.659 No matter 00:37:30.659 --> 00:37:31.539 how we feel 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:32.480 about ourselves, 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:33.659 no matter 00:37:33.659 --> 00:37:34.139 what we 00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:34.619 have done, 00:37:35.680 --> 00:37:36.180 you can 00:37:36.180 --> 00:37:37.019 use us. 00:37:38.200 --> 00:37:38.980 Thank you, 00:37:39.079 --> 00:37:39.260 Lord. 00:37:40.460 --> 00:37:41.099 Thank you for 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:41.920 this privilege 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:43.299 and we 00:37:43.299 --> 00:37:44.839 pray that 00:37:44.839 --> 00:37:45.279 you will 00:37:45.279 --> 00:37:46.799 indeed bless 00:37:46.799 --> 00:37:47.559 our children 00:37:47.559 --> 00:37:49.239 and bless 00:37:49.239 --> 00:37:50.099 our families 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:51.940 and bless 00:37:51.940 --> 00:37:52.579 our neighbours 00:37:52.579 --> 00:37:55.059 and would 00:37:55.059 --> 00:37:55.299 you, 00:37:55.659 --> 00:37:55.779 Father, 00:37:56.779 --> 00:37:57.440 please bring 00:37:57.440 --> 00:37:58.799 them to 00:37:58.799 --> 00:37:59.420 faith in 00:37:59.420 --> 00:38:00.159 Jesus too 00:38:00.159 --> 00:38:02.199 because you 00:38:02.199 --> 00:38:02.639 are good 00:38:02.639 --> 00:38:02.980 and you 00:38:02.980 --> 00:38:03.539 are kind. 00:38:03.539 --> 00:38:06.159 thank you, 00:38:06.279 --> 00:38:06.500 Lord. 00:38:07.699 --> 00:38:08.199 Amen. 00:38:08.199 --> 00:38:08.279 Amen. 00:38:12.940 --> 00:38:13.800 We're going to 00:38:13.800 --> 00:38:14.599 sing together 00:38:14.599 --> 00:38:15.759 a song that 00:38:15.759 --> 00:38:16.440 will help us 00:38:16.440 --> 00:38:17.380 to celebrate 00:38:17.380 --> 00:38:19.059 the amazing 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:19.920 grace and the 00:38:19.920 --> 00:38:20.800 amazing goodness 00:38:20.800 --> 00:38:21.699 of God to 00:38:21.699 --> 00:38:22.019 us. 00:38:22.019 --> 00:38:24.739 I stand 00:38:24.739 --> 00:38:25.480 amazed in 00:38:25.480 --> 00:38:26.219 the presence 00:38:26.219 --> 00:38:27.519 of Jesus 00:38:27.519 --> 00:38:28.259 the Nazarene 00:38:28.259 --> 00:38:28.739 and wonder 00:38:28.739 --> 00:38:29.380 how he 00:38:29.380 --> 00:38:29.840 could love 00:38:29.840 --> 00:38:30.079 me. 00:38:31.019 --> 00:38:31.340 How 00:38:31.340 --> 00:38:32.099 marvellous, 00:38:32.659 --> 00:38:32.980 how 00:38:32.980 --> 00:38:33.440 wonderful. 00:38:34.259 --> 00:38:34.739 I invite 00:38:34.739 --> 00:38:35.119 you to 00:38:35.119 --> 00:38:36.039 stand to 00:38:36.039 --> 00:38:37.239 sing if 00:38:37.239 --> 00:38:37.739 you're able. 00:38:37.739 --> 00:39:07.719 Thank you.